Trews

By Crusader1307

The old joke of “What lies under The Scotman’s Kilt?” is best served with the answer – The Trews. Also pronounced as “Truis” or “Trowse”, these were legging-type of Trousers worn under the traditional Kilt worn by Scotsmen. They were worn “begrudgingly”. At one point, England outlawed their wear by Scottish Men and Boys, due to their association with Scottish individualism and Independence. Only Scottish Regiments raised and loyal to The British Army were allowed to wear them. They were seen as “barbarian” or primitive Clothing to The British, and were looked at as derisive. Seen around the 16th Century, Trews were not like traditional Trousers. They were tied to the waist by a Cloth tie and slightly below the knee the same way. Made of wool, buckskin, or Heavy cloth – they reflected a Tartan Plaid coloring, reflective of Clan Affiliation. The stylized Scottish Highland Side Step Dance, which involves a series of flutter-like kicks was said to be the “kicking off” of the disliked garments, worried to be a replacement for The Kilt. Trews are still used today by British-Scottish Regiments for Winter wear.